Chapter 3: The Descent
Julian stared at Elena in the dim light of the staff corridor.
His heart pounded violently against his ribs.
"Where is the original recording?"
Julian asked, his voice echoing slightly off the concrete walls.
"It is on a secure server in the basement control room."
Elena replied, adjusting her torn vest.
"I forwarded a copied fragment to your watch using the estate's private network."
Julian shook his head in absolute disbelief.
"How did you even know what they were planning?"
Elena hesitated for a brief moment.
"I was assigned to serve drinks in the library tonight."
She began walking down the corridor, gesturing for him to follow.
"I overheard Marcus talking to Victoria about the final inheritance."
Julian followed her quickly, his expensive dress shoes clicking softly on the floor.
"My father's estate."
Julian muttered bitterly.
"They caught me listening by the door."
Elena stopped and gently touched the angry bruise on her forehead.
"Marcus threw me against the heavy mahogany bookshelf."
Julian clenched his fists, anger finally replacing his deep shock.
"I am so sorry, Elena."
He said, meaning every single word.
"We do not have time for apologies right now."
She warned him, checking over her shoulder.
"They will send the guards to the basement immediately to wipe those servers."
Julian nodded, his resolve hardening.
"Then we take the freight elevator."
Julian pointed to a heavy metal door at the end of the hall.
He pressed his thumb against the biometric scanner panel.
The security scanner flashed green.
The heavy metal doors rumbled open loudly.
They stepped inside the rusted elevator car.
Julian pressed the faded button for the lowest level.
The elevator groaned and began its slow descent.
"Marcus always wanted everything for himself."
Julian whispered into the tense silence.
"Tonight, he gets absolutely nothing."
Elena looked at him, a small, approving smile crossing her battered face.
The elevator stopped with a heavy metallic jolt.
The doors slid open to reveal a dark, cavernous basement.
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A bright flashlight beam swept across the far wall.
Someone was already down here.
